On November 17th and 18th I will performing with my FOREIGN AFFAIR band in Lausanne, Switzerland, and on the 19th at the Centre Robert Dunand of the Conservatoire Populaire de Geneve in Geneva, (http://www.amiando.com/JWZHHAQ.html). Hope to see my friends in those cities!

Every Monday night, 7:30-9PM at WALKER STAGE, 56 Walker Street, Tribeca: THE BIG BAND THEORY.  It’s an open workshop to read, practice and perform Big Band music of all kinds, including originals by anybody who dares bring one. Walker Stage is a beautiful performance space in Tribeca. There’s a Jam Session afterwards, from 9-11pm… bring your ax and your charts!

Thursday, October 20th, 9:30PM: BANDAGRANDE, my 18 piece Big Band performs at the famous NUYORICAN POETS CAFE, playing Latin, Brazilian, Jazz arrangements and some originals. Featuring great players like Chris Washburne, Christos Rafalides, John Walsh, Mike Rodriguez, Terry Greene, Vince Cherico and other fantastic musicians; special guest this week, Brazilian star-vocalist Ana Lu Pereira.

On Friday the 13th (#*&@%?^!!) of May, 9:30PM  this original music and arrangements of Jazz, Salsa and Brazilian standards will literally (well, almost!) blow you away at “el barrio”‘s FB Lounge, by far Spanish Harlem’s nascent culture scene’s most sophisticated and happening venue !!!

“Colombian Hector Martignon’s “Abre Tus Ojos, Cierra Tus Ojos” is a very difficult work that… caught the first violins off guard for a moment. Concertmaster Francisco Salazar, however, was absolutely terrific with his demanding solo part. Minimalistic, highly syncopated, and richly harmonized with 7^th and 9^th chords, “Cierra…” is a marvelous work, and the composer was present to receive the audience’s enthusiastic gratitude (photo).”

Some reviews Hector’s latest CD, SECOND CHANCE, (nominated for a 2011 GRAMMY) and REFUGEE

“…Martignon’s witty conception… pairs tunes that sequentially bookend each other. Time shifts, brisk turnarounds and bounding rhythms flash by with… dry bravado…it’s a likable mix. Martignon solos with crisp invention, and breathily sings his heartfelt “Observatory”…DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE

“The incredible pianist Hector Martignon has released many top-level recordings since his days as a sideman with Ray Barretto, but Second Chance signifies a look back while searching for his future direction. Many of these compositions are revisits of previous albums with different personnel, emphasizing the horns of saxophonist Xavier Perez and trumpeter John Walsh, giving them more of a jazz rather than Latin jazz feel. While his Colombian and South American roots are very much present in the music, not to mention his personal virtuosity, Martignon seems ready to make a move toward composed, modern neo-bop as evidenced on at least half of this effort. It’s the hopped-up version of “Alone Together” at the end of the CD — with acknowledged influence of the late keyboardist Don Grolnick – that gives rise to this contention. His acoustic keyboard is a bit under the radar in the mix except when he solos, but tracks like Joao Bosco’s bubbling and rumbling modal samba “Bala Con Bala” (also featuring vibraphonist Tim Collins) and the heavier “Andrea” from 6/8 in 4/4 time, are closer to his identity as standouts. A soulful, romantic approach is heard, as well as a simmering danzon, slow seductive guajira, or funky commercial side. Fellow Colombian-born hand percussionist Samuel Torres (check out his efforts as a leader) is a big part of the band, while Edmar Castaneda (harp) and Vinny Valentino (guitar) make cameo appearances. This is a recording to savor, definitely listen to more than once, and keep in your collection, especially if you have the original versions of these finely crafted pieces of gold, so you can hear how they have evolved and acquired a new sheen.”  ALLMUSIC.COM review by Michael G. Nastos

AUDIO – OBSERVATORY